By
Alex Smith |
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has appointed Samantha Stimpson as its new CEO.
Stimpson joins from travel company FTI Touristik, where she currently serves as chief commercial officer. She has more than 25 years of experience in commercial, operational and executive roles in the travel and hospitality industry.
“I am honoured to be joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a company that I have known and admired for years,” said Stimpson. “I very much look forward to working with the organisation, contributing my skills and expertise, continuing to enhance the strategy which is built on smaller, elegant ships, and exceptional experiences, underpinned by a culture that recognises the importance of personal, attentive service.”
Based at Fred. Olsen’s head office in Ipswich, UK, Stimpson will take overall responsibility for strategic development and managing the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ operation, which covers 220 onshore staff and more than 2,000 crew members across the fleet of three ocean cruise ships.
“On behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ board of directors, I am very happy to welcome Samantha to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines,” said Anette Olsen, CEO of Bonheur. "Samantha brings a strategic mindset, extensive knowledge and management experience with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the travel industry. We are very pleased that Samantha is joining us, as we see exciting possibilities for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for the future."
Stimpson’s new role will commence no later than 1 February 2024. Pete Deer, the current managing director, will take the position as chief financial officer, overseeing the financial operations of Fred. Olsen.
“On behalf of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ board of directors, I very much want to thank Pete Deer, and the entire organisation for the extraordinary efforts during the last few years,” said Olsen.